The angiogenic mechanism and therapeutic potential of PDGF-CC, a recently discovered member of the VEGF/PDGF superfamily, remain incompletely characterized. Here we report that PDGF-CC mobilized endothelial progenitor cells in ischemic conditions; induced differentiation of bone marrow cells into ECs; and stimulated migration of ECs. Furthermore, PDGF-CC induced the differentiation of bone marrow cells into smooth muscle cells and stimulated their growth during vessel sprouting. Moreover, delivery of PDGF-CC enhanced postischemic revascularization of the heart and limb. Modulating the activity of PDGF-CC may provide novel opportunities for treating ischemic diseases.
Xuri Li, Marc Tjwa, Lieve Moons, Pierre Fons, Agnes Noel, Annelii Ny, Jian Min Zhou, Johan Lennartsson, Hong Li, Aernout Luttun, Annica Pontén, Laetitia Devy, Ann Bouché, Hideyasu Oh, Ann Manderveld, Silvia Blacher, David Communi, Pierre Savi, Françoise Bono, Mieke Dewerchin, Jean-Michel Foidart, Monica Autiero, Jean-Marc Herbert, Désiré Collen, Carl-Henrik Heldin, Ulf Eriksson, Peter Carmeliet
